Ottawa Senators Make Fools Of The Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers came into town needing a win against the Ottawa Senators, as they had a chance to get back into a playoff spot. However, the Panthers never had their legs and the Senators made them look like fools, and Ottawa took the game by a score of 4-1.
GAME RECAP
If you only saw the 4-1 score between the Panthers and Senators, you still may be wondering who had more opportunities, and if Ottawa actually did outplay them. Here’s all the evidence you need:
All in all, it was quite the pounding by Ottawa. The final shot attempts were 57-32, and even after the score was 3-1 and 4-1, the Senators didn’t stop. It was a surprising win as this was one of the biggest games of the year for the Panthers, and they squandered it. After it was 1-0 thanks to a scramble goal from Aleksander Barkov, the game shifted.
Three minutes later near the halfway mark of the first period, Kyle Turris scored his 14th of the year. Mark Stone made an incredible pass to Turris, and once again that combo (along with Milan Michalek) was electric. After the first the shots were 16-9 for Ottawa, and the attempts were 24-11.
Then in the second period the game looked like it was going to be a low-scoring affair. But with 11:20 left just as the power play was expiring, Bobby Ryan had a nifty tip off of a Turris shot from the point and Ottawa had the 2-1 lead. It was his 15th of the year, and 43rd point overall.
Although the attempts were 43-22 for the Senators after two periods, it was still only a one goal game largely thanks to Roberto Luongo. Then in the third period Ottawa finally got some insurance. With just under 12 minutes to go, Erik Karlsson scored a vintage Karlsson goal that will be on his highlight reel for years to come.
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Michalek passed it to Karlsson in the neutral zone, and he blew past Erik Gudbranson as he was gaining speed from his own zone. He was almost on a clear break, but he didn’t need to be, as he ripped one of the fastest wrist shots you’ll see on a hapless Luongo. Then a mere four minutes later, Ottawa put the game to rest.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau sprung Curtis Lazar on a breakaway, and he scored a classic Lazar goal. Luongo stopped the initial shot, but Lazar got tripped up and crashed into the net, which then pushed the puck in. They had to review it but it was an easy call to confirm the goal.
The rest of the way the Panthers looked so disengaged, and the Senators continued to be the better team until the end. Even though Ottawa won’t be making the playoffs, it’s nice to see them win back to back games in “feel good” fashion.
NOTES & OBSERVATIONS
- Jared Cowen got an interference penalty on Jussi Jokinen, but initially Jokinen looked badly hurt. Some were saying headshot, but to me it only looked a bit late, and the actual point of contact was at his chest/neck. Not a great hit, but not worthy of a suspension at all.
- The Condra/Pageau/Lazar line continues to impress. They are a perfect fourth line, as they are all responsible defensively. Of all the “veterans” to move, trading Condra would be the worst idea. That would mean Chris Neil would play with Pageau and Neil, instantly ruining the entire line.
- If Karlsson continues this streak up for the next 5-10 games, I think he should deserve some Norris consideration. For “those” kind of people, he’s now at +2 on the season. So even old school people can’t say he’s been bad defensively. He has the ability to dominate once again.
"[Stone’s] one of the smartest players out there, and he does so many things well"
- The Andrew Hammond story is nice and all, but let’s get real: he’s not a very good goalie. I think it’s funny how media members talk about his skill-set, but he has a save percentage under .900 in the AHL this year. Also, he’s 27, so he isn’t going anywhere. But like I said, good story and congratulations to him.
- Mark Stone is Ottawa’s best forward. I don’t think that’s very controversial. He has 37 points in 55 games, which is third amongst Senators forwards. But next game focus on him in particular. He’s one of the smartest players out there, and he does so many things well. I’m very excited about having him for a long time, because everything about him for the eye test and advanced stats show that he’s very valuable.
- Patrick Wiercioch was first in corsi at 79%. Maybe don’t scratch him?
- Matt Puempel played only 8:41, and was the only negative possession player (3 CF, 5 CA). I’d like to see more of him though.
- Colin Greening is getting called up for the West Coast road trip. I suppose this is his last chance, but also a way to get another healthy body just in case. Although I don’t know why Shane Prince didn’t come up.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT CARD
It’s hard to not give him the player spotlight card on most nights. Tonight he was playing like a Norris Trophy winner does. Like I mentioned, he was on for 35 (!) shot attempts, and had a corsi of 69%. He had an amazing goal, and now has 1G and 8 assists in his last 5 games. It won’t be long before he’s leading defensemen in points.. Defense. Ottawa Senators. #65 ERIK KARLSSON. A
UP NEXT
After back to back feel good wins, the Senators head out for their dreaded West Coast California trip, with a game against the Anaheim Ducks Wednesday and the Los Angeles Kings the next night.